Arnaud Deslandes

Arnaud Deslandes is the incumbent Socialist (PS) mayor of Lille, France. He was recently re-elected in the 2026 municipal elections, securing his position as mayor. This re-election is newsworthy as it signifies the Socialist party's continued hold on Lille, a city they have governed for over a century. In the recent election, Deslandes, allied with the Ecologists in the second round, defeated a candidate from La France Insoumise (LFI) by a significant margin, despite a close race in the first round. His victory is particularly relevant in the context of the 2026 municipal elections, where the left generally ceded ground to the right and center, although managing to retain control in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Lille was also chosen to host the headquarters of the future European Customs Authority, adding to the city's and Deslandes' significance.